2 east Idaho schools join America’s STEM elite

Temple View Elementary School in Idaho Falls became part of Idaho’s first cohort of designated STEM schools. The Idaho STEM Action Center board of directors and Idaho State Board of Education unanimously approved the designation. Also selected were Barbara Morgan STEM Academy in Meridian, Bingham Academy in Blackfoot, and Galileo STEM Academy in Eagle.

The four schools were reviewed in all facets of their educational programming and were then subject to a three-day evaluation.

All four earned their STEM certification in November. They will remain designated for the next five years.

There are only 145 schools across the country that have achieved STEM certification.

“The Idaho economy needs more STEM educated students and having schools that focus on broad-based STEM education is an important part of that,” according to STEM Action Center board President Dr. David Hill. “Expect to see more schools in Idaho seeking STEM designation. It’s important for parents who want their children to become STEM literate to know the education they’re receiving is of the highest quality and not just a buzzword.”

“STEM learning encourages students, families, and staff to engage in learning through a collaborative, inquiry, and hands-on approach,” Childers said. “Everything we do is based off of STEM principles, including P.E., music, library, and art. Through project-based learning, our students and staff are making learning more relevant by designing solutions to real-world problems.”

According to Bingham Academy principal Mark Fisk, that philosophy resonates at Bingham Academy.

“STEM education is literally built into our DNA,” Fisk said. “Our school’s charter specifically states, ‘Educationally STEM instruction is viewed as a tool to successfully accomplish all learning goals.’ And earning STEM certification isn’t a quick fix. You can’t just snap your fingers and STEM is done. It takes a long time and a lot of hard work.”

The STEM Action Center awarded each school $10,000 to enhance their STEM programs and professional development. Each school expects to receive a similar amount for each of the next four years.